The session is especially aimed to emphasize the interaction between the different environmental processes occurring at various spatial and temporal scales, which can also involve several orders of magnitude. Special attention is devoted to the studies focused on the development of techniques of data analysis and collection through new algorithms and technologies for multiscale monitoring of natural area characterize by different hazard, such as associated to volcanic processes, seismic events, energy exploitation, slope instability, floods, coastal instability, climate changes, and any other environmental context.
We expect contributions derived from several disciplines, as applied geophysics, geology, seismology, geodesy, geochemistry, remote and proximal sensing, volcanology, applied geology, soil science, marine geology and oceanography. In this context, the contributions in analytical and numerical modeling of geological and environmental processes are welcome, as well as the inter-disciplinary studies that highlight their multiscale properties.
The session includes, but not limited to, the following topics:
-Sensor design, real-time monitoring systems, and autonomous platforms such as AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles);
-Diagnostic techniques for ensuring the reliability and functionality of ocean instrumentation, addressing issues like sensor drift, biofouling, power limitations, and the impact of extreme environmental conditions;
-Strategies of monitoring of the environmental systems in the space-time domain;
-Modeling methods for the simulation of environmental processes and optimization of their representative parameters;
-Laboratory experiments and field activities to study and model the sources, transport and effect of traditional and emerging contaminants in the environments;
-Environmental impact and risk analyses, uncertainty estimates and vulnerability/resilience assessment.
Orals: Tue, 29 Apr | Room -2.15
Incoming solar radiation is a fundamental atmospheric quantity, typically measured at the surface using pyranometer devices, with thermopile or semiconductor sensors. During its passage through the atmosphere, solar radiation is absorbed and scattered. One method for removing the atmospheric effects on the measured solar irradiance is Langley extrapolation, but its effectiveness for determining the top-of-atmosphere irradiance is highly dependent on the measuring circumstances. It is preferable to make in situ atmospheric measurements using an airborne platform, such as an aircraft or balloon system. A practical difficulty, however, with small platforms is their motion, for which complex stabilization approaches may be needed. An alternative approach is to monitor the platform’s motion, using the additional information to correct for the varying orientation of the sensor. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, a small self-contained data logger was developed to capture solar radiation measurements across a wide dynamic range, using a photodiode as a sensor. The package included an orientation sensor to allow position fluctuations to be monitored and accounted for. The system was carried on a radiosonde flight to 30 km altitude, with both solar radiation and orientation measured throughout. Combining the data streams shows that improved solar irradiance measurements can be obtained using the orientation information, without the need for physical stabilization of the carrier platform.
How to cite: Harrison, R. G.: Measuring solar radiation from a swaying balloon platform, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11576, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11576, 2025.
This study presents an innovative approach for the deployment and retrieval of autonomous deep ocean landers equipped with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) systems and associated fiber optic cables. The methodology utilizes the LanderPick system, a Remote Operated Towed Vehicle (ROTV), to facilitate precise placement and recovery of the lander and measuring cable on the seafloor. The integrated DAS system employs fiber optic technology to provide high-resolution acoustic monitoring along the cable's length, facilitating long-range detection of various underwater phenomena.
The autonomous lander design incorporates a frame structure and pressure-resistant housing designed to withstand depths of up to 6,000 meters. A key feature of the method is the lander’s hitching mesh and attached fiber optic reel mechanism, which enables controlled deployment and laying of the measured fiber. A specialized housing protects the DAS interrogator and associated electronics from the harsh deep-sea environment, ensuring long-term operational reliability.
The LanderPick deployment system, an ROTV, enables precise placement and recovery of the lander on the seafloor, while the attach reel mechanism allows to steer the cable layout as required. This approach significantly enhances the survivability and accuracy of the deployment process while allowing for continuous monitoring of the optic fiber deployment.
This novel approach addresses limitations of onshore installations utilizing submarine telecommunication cables, which often lack the location and fiber layout flexibility required for measuring specific ocean areas of interest. By enabling the deployment of autonomous platforms with customizable cable layouts, this solution significantly expands the potential applications of distributed sensing techniques in undersea environments.
Field trials have successfully demonstrated the LanderPick's capability to conduct deployment and retrieval missions with real time visual feedback. The adaptation of this controlled deployment method to the distributed sensing requirements represents an opportunity for deep-sea observation techniques, offering new opportunities for long-term monitoring of benthic ecosystems and geophysical processes. In conclusion, this innovative methodology for deploying and retrieving autonomous deep ocean DAS landers, coupled with customizable submarine cable layouts, has the potential to revolutionize underwater sensing and monitoring capabilities across a wide range of scientific and industrial applications.
How to cite: Robles Urquijo, I., González-Pola, C., Rodriguez-Cobo, L., Valdiande, J. J., Grana, R., and Cobo, A.: A Novel Methodology for Deployment and Retrieval of Autonomous Deep Ocean Distributed Acoustic Sensing Landers and Submarine Cable Layout, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16798, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16798, 2025.
A high-quality hydrographic observational database is essential for ocean and climate studies and operational applications. Because there are numerous global and regional ocean databases, duplicate data continues to be an issue in data management, data processing and database merging, posing a challenge on effectively and accurately using oceanographic data to derive robust statistics and reliable data products. This study aims to provide an algorithm to identify the duplicates and assign labels to them. We propose first the definition of exact duplicates and possible duplicates; and second, an open-source and semi-automatic system (named DC_OCEAN) based on crude screening and target screening, which is followed by a manual expert check to review the identified duplicates to detect duplicate data and erroneous metadata. The robustness of the system is then evaluated with a subset of the World Ocean Database (WOD18) with over 600,000 in-situ temperature and salinity profiles. This system is an open-source Python package allowing users to effectively use the software. Users can customize their settings. The application result from the WOD18 subset also forms a benchmark dataset, which is available to support future studies on duplicate checking, metadata error identification, and machine learning applications. This duplicate checking system will be incorporated into the International Quality-controlled Ocean Database (IQuOD) data quality control system to guarantee the uniqueness of ocean observation data in this product.
How to cite: Song, X., Tan, Z., Locarnini, R., Simoncelli, S., Cowley, R., Kizu, S., Boyer, T., Reseghetti, F., Castelao, G., Gouretski, V., and Cheng, L.: DC_OCEAN: An open-source algorithm for identification of duplicates in ocean databases, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5448, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5448, 2025.
Soil health is a critical factor influencing ecosystem functions, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. However, the spatial variability of soil properties across Europe poses significant challenges to understanding and managing soil health at regional and continental scales. This study utilizes clustering techniques to analyze and classify soil health across Europe using the LUCAS (Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey) soil dataset, one of the most comprehensive databases of soil properties in Europe.
The LUCAS dataset includes key physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators such as soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, texture, and bulk density, providing a robust foundation for clustering. Data preprocessing involved standardizing soil attributes and addressing missing values through imputation. Clustering algorithms were applied to group soils with similar health profiles, capturing spatial patterns and interrelations among soil properties. The resulting clusters were mapped and analyzed to identify dominant soil health characteristics and their distribution across Europe.
Preliminary results reveal distinct clusters reflecting gradients in soil fertility, organic matter content, and degradation levels. These clusters align with known ecological and climatic gradients, validating the methodology and providing insights into the spatial variability of soil health. Furthermore, this clustering approach highlights regions requiring targeted soil management interventions, contributing to data-driven decision-making for sustainable land use and agricultural practices.
This research demonstrates the potential of unsupervised learning to leverage large-scale datasets for spatial soil health analysis, offering a scalable framework for soil health monitoring and management at regional and continental scales. Future work will incorporate temporal data to assess changes in soil health over time, further enhancing the utility of this approach in dynamic soil monitoring systems.
Keywords—soil health, soil indicators, random forest, agriculture, soil monitoring
Acknowledgements: The iCOSHELLs project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
References: Sanz, E., Sotoca, J. J. M., Saa-Requejo, A., Díaz-Ambrona, C. H., RuizRamos, M., Rodríguez, A., & Tarquis, A. M. (2022). Clustering arid rangelands based on NDVI annual patterns and their persistence. Remote Sensing, 14(19), 4949.
Boluwade, Alaba (2019). Regionalization and partitioning of soil health indicators for Nigeria using spatially contiguous clustering for economic and social-cultural developments. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information 8.10: 458.
Suchithra, M. S., and Maya L. Pai (2020). Data mining based geospatial clustering for suitable recommendation system. 2020 International Conference on Inventive Computation Technologies (ICICT). IEEE.
How to cite: Sanz, E., Almeida-Ñauñay, A. F., Soriano Disla, J. M., Soriano, B., Bardají, I., and Tarquis, A. M.: Clustering Soil Health Across Europe Using LUCAS Soil Dataset and Unsupervised Learning Techniques, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-9337, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-9337, 2025.
Advanced environmental measurements require versatile, high-throughput methodologies that can analyze complex and heterogeneous systems. Raman spectroscopy presents a promising solution as an optical measurement technique, owing to its minimal sample preparation requirements, real-time and non-destructive measurements, and its potential for field deployment. However, its adoption in environmental applications has been limited by challenges such as fluorescence interference and sample heterogeneity. Here, we describe a dual-wavelength Raman spectroscopy approach that overcomes these challenges, enabling precise and reliable measurements of soil. Central to our approach is a custom Shifted-Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy (SERDS) instrument, which integrates advanced optical design, signal processing, and machine-learning multivariate analysis.
We utilize our SERDS methodology to measure soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural soils and tire wear particles. By leveraging custom spectral collection strategies and signal processing tools, such as common-mode rejection (CMR) along with hyperspectral data fusion techniques, we effectively mitigate fluorescence interference, particle size variations, and nonlinear optical behavior in soils for accurate SOC and tire wear quantification. Nonlinear machine-learning regression techniques, including tree-based models and a custom Partial Least Squares Regression algorithm, enhance predictive accuracy and validate the methodology.
While the measurement of SOC and tire wear particles in soil highlight the potential of our SERDS methodology in advancing real-time and high-throughput soil measurements, its versatility extends to a broad range of environmental sensing applications, including water quality monitoring, pollutant detection, and the analysis of complex environmental systems. This research presents an in-depth examination of the design and implementation of the SERDS instrument and methodology, showcasing its potential for advancing environmental measurement and its adaptability for addressing a wide range of analytical challenges in environmental science.
How to cite: Brown, G., Solomatova, N., and Grant, E.: Advancing Soil and Environmental Analysis with Dual-Wavelength Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-13765, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-13765, 2025.
In Chiba Prefecture, Japan, land subsidence in sub-urban regions has become an environmental and social issue which insists frequent monitoring for impact assessment. The inception of land subsidence in this region is attributed to natural factors, such as seismic activity and soil layer consolidation, as well as man-made factors, such as ground water and natural gas extraction. However, accurate estimation of the widely and distinctly distributed multiscale subsidence areas becomes very challenging, time-consuming, and labour-intensive by conventional level survey measurements. In this study, we applied and validated a ground subsidence monitoring method for Chiba Prefecture, Japan, using L-band ALOS-2 space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data. We used Single Look Complex SAR data in StripMap mode with a 3 m resolution, a swath width of 70 km, and repeat-pass acquisition geometry. Continuously acquired ALOS-2 SAR data in both ascending and descending orbital directions, totally 78 scenes were used from 2016 to 2023. The small baseline subset method was used to stack the interferograms and reduce the phase distortions, and convert them into the corresponding vertical displacement for subsidence measurements. The estimated time-series subsidence results were further assessed for areas with high coherency (> 0.6). The estimated annual subsidence rate from SAR-based measurements confirms the existence of certain land areas where the annual displacement exceeds -15 mm per year and their spatial extent. We used the least-squares method for spatial data with four adjustment parameters to improve the overall accuracy of SAR-based subsidence measurements by integrating them with the sparsely distributed 309 level survey locations. The results were categorized into six classes based on the annual subsidence rates, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was compared before and after the improvement of subsidence measurements using the proposed method. The results indicate that the RMSE for each subsidence class is below 5 mm, confirming consistency with national accuracy standards for subsidence monitoring.
How to cite: Karunathilake, A.: Monitoring and modelling of progressive land subsidence using multi-temporal space-borne remote sensing measurements , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18444, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18444, 2025.
Faults are essential structures in the Earth's crust, playing a key role in regulating subsurface fluid flow and driving crustal deformation. In volcanic regions, they facilitate the migration of magma and fluids, significantly influencing volcanic processes and associated deformation patterns. Understanding the interplay between deformation patterns, subsurface heterogeneities, and fault structures is critical for accurately interpreting local volcanic dynamics, situating them within broader geodynamic frameworks, and assessing potential hazards. Boundary analysis techniques, traditionally applied to potential field data, are effective tools for investigating subsurface heterogeneities. Key methods include the Total Horizontal Derivative (THD), Tilt Angle of Horizontal Gradient (TAHG), and Normalized Total Gradient (NTG). Among these, THD has proven particularly valuable for detecting deformation sources in volcanic regions. Specifically, at Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc), THD has been applied to gravity and magnetic data as well as InSAR-derived deformation measurements, effectively aiding in the precise identification of the extent of the local volcanic source of deformation. This study integrates boundary analysis techniques (THD, TAHG, and NTG) with seismic tomography results and InSAR deformation data to conduct a comprehensive structural analysis of CFc and surrounding land and marine areas. Using datasets from mid-2021 to mid-2022, we delineate surface and subsurface structures, correlate them with major tectonic trends, and analyze their relation to local seismicity. Seismic tomography data from Giacomuzzi et al. (2024) provide 3D insights into seismic velocity distributions, highlighting crustal heterogeneities and structural weaknesses. To enhance interpretation, Total Horizontal Derivative (THD) emphasizes shallow features like faults and lithological contacts, while Tilt Angle of Horizontal Gradient (TAHG) and Normalized Total Gradient (NTG) analyze vertical deformation from InSAR data, improving sensitivity to deeper structures and minor heterogeneities. These techniques balance resolution and minimize noise, making them particularly suited for analyzing high-resolution deformation fields. To validate these techniques, we also conducted a testing phase using synthetic simulations. Our results reveal a regionally coherent yet intricate deformation pattern, consistent with the trends outlined in existing volcano-tectonic maps. This study enhances understanding of the Campi Flegrei caldera (CFc) and highlights the broader applicability of advanced boundary analysis techniques for volcano-tectonic investigations. By integrating seismic and deformation datasets with sophisticated analytical approaches, it offers valuable insights into the spatial and functional relationships between crustal heterogeneities and deformation dynamics, establishing a foundation for future research in active, densely populated regions.
How to cite: Perrini, M., Barone, A., Tizzani, P., and Castaldo, R.: Advanced Boundary Analysis techniques as a tool to decipher volcano-tectonic setting of the Campi Flegrei caldera, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-19102, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-19102, 2025.
The world's first integrated geophysical borehole observatory has been installed by GaiaCode on the Kapidag Peninsula on the South coast of the Marmara Sea in Türkiye (40O29'22” N, 27O58'44” E). The downhole instrumentation consists of a low noise ultra-broadband three component feedback seismometer, a strain-meter, a dilatometer, a continuous pore-pressure sensor and a temperature probe. All these instruments and sensors were designed and built in house by GaiaCode. To complete the observatory, these sensors will be augmented by a MEMS accelerometer and a three axis 4.5 Hz geophone installed downhole as well as a weather station at the well head. The latter instruments were supplied by other vendors but integrated into the observatory by us.
The observatory has two boreholes which are about 4 m apart. Each hole is approximately 110 m deep with minimal vertical deviation. The first set of instruments (dilatometer, strain-meter and a set of borehole geophones) has been cemented into the bottom of the first borehole. The ultra broadband seismometer “ALPHA” with 360 seconds low frequency corner and 200 Hz upper frequency corner with 5 decades of frequency range will be installed in a special casing in the same borehole.
This seismometer will also serve as a downhole tilt-meter, using its mass position outputs. Unlike triaxial (tilted Galperin) seismometer, classic orthogonal topology has the advantage over tilted Triaxial Galperin seismometers of providing precision tilt measurement without the requirement of a separate expensive tilt sensor. The broadband seismometer is equipped with a stable single jaw hole-lock for easy retrieval. The real time pore-pressure sensor will be cemented into the second borehole.
The analogue measurements from these instruments will all be transmitted to their respective well head, where they will be processed by a fleet of TAU digitizers. TAU digitises can transmit 6 concurrent sample rates, ideally suited for Multidisciplinary seismic station data acquisition. Gaiacode's OMEGA software is used for recording and controlling-configuring the sensor system and the digitisers.
This new observatory is a major extension of the joint research initiative by the German Geoscience Research Center (GFZ) and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD): the GONAF Project (Geophysical Observatory at the North Anatolian Fault). Its main objective is to measure seismic and aseismic tectonic deformation transients along the Marmara section of the North Anatolian Fault in northwestern Türkiye. This section is overdue for a major earthquake. The observatory will be jointly operated by GFZ and AFAD.
How to cite: Guralp, C. and McGowan, M.: An Integrated Real-Time MultidisciplinaryGeophysical Borehole Observatory, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16802, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16802, 2025.
Posters on site: Tue, 29 Apr, 10:45–12:30 | Hall X5
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) trajectory planning for oceanographic surveys should ensure comprehensive data collection for enhanced mission success. By strategically navigating and targeting high-value data points, the AUV can operate longer and gather more essential information for ocean modelling. Here, we propose a geostatistical modelling workflow to predict ocean temperature with spatial uncertainty maps, representing regions with limited knowledge about the ocean properties from where navigation paths can be devised.
A real autonomous oceanographic survey performed off W. Portugal illustrates the proposed modelling workflow. To spatially predict ocean temperature and uncertainty for the ‘day after’, we use Direct Sequential Simulation[1]. We also use the CMEMS[2] product of Atlantic-Iberian Biscay Irish- Ocean Physics Analysis and Forecast as experimental data to constrain the spatial predictions. During the survey, the daily updated numerical ocean model is downloaded to accommodate new information, and the AUV data is assimilated and used in new geostatistical predictions.
At the beginning of the survey, we predict the ‘day after’ based on the previous 14 days, a spatiotemporal covariance matrix and the CMEMS[2] product as experimental data without uncertainty. The pointwise median model of an ensemble of geostatistical realizations is used as the most likely model, while the pointwise standard deviation model is used as an uncertainty measurement. This uncertainty map is used to devise the navigation strategy using a prize-collecting vehicle routing problem solver. At the end of each day, the data acquired by the AUV is assimilated to contain the prediction of the ocean temperature for the following day along with the updated CMEMS[2] ocean model.
The results show that the proposed methodology efficiently predicts daily ocean temperature and its spatial uncertainty and assimilates data from different sources. The AUV was able to sample ocean regions associated with higher uncertainty (i.e., variability).
References
[1] Soares, A., 2001, Direct sequential simulation and cosimulation: Mathematical Geology, 33, 911–926, doi: 10.1023/A:1012246006212.
[2] Atlantic-Iberian Biscay Irish- Ocean Physics Analysis and Forecast. E.U. Copernicus Marine Service Information (CMEMS). Marine Data Store (MDS). DOI: 10.48670/moi-00027 (Accessed between 14 to 25-Oct-2024)
How to cite: Duarte, A. F., Bernacchi, L., Mendes, R., Borges de Sousa, J., and Azevedo, L.: Uncertainty maps as a tool for efficient AUV data collection, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-971, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-971, 2025.
The physical state of the soil environment majorly defines plant growth. The composition and properties of the soil matrix influence various transport processes and important flow between soil and plant. The porosity and density of soil help determine the water binding possibility, air movement, plant root penetration, etc. Just as the solid phase the geometry of the pore system is also complex. The porosity of the soil matrix is determined using densities- particle density and bulk density. On the one side where we have several methods to determine porosity, we lack in the spatial details of it. Many attempts have been made to gather information about porosity through machine learning and remote sensing methods for specific locations. The present study attempts to map the porosity details over India using various databases and finally checking the accuracy and reliability of data sources.
How to cite: Ahirwar, H. R., Singh, A. P., Nema, M. K., and Nema, A. K.: Mapping Soil Porosity: Unveiling India's Soil Dynamics with Remote Sensing, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-1089, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-1089, 2025.
In situ geophysical techniques are essential tools in geological and geotechnical research for characterizing tectono-stratigraphic settings. Since its introduction in the late 1970s, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) provides integrated information over a large subsoil volume, overcoming the limitations of conventional point-scale direct survey or measurements. In the last decade, advances in low-frequency GPR systems have made them efficient and affordable for multiscale investigations. Compact and lightweight monostatic antennas, such as the COBRA Plug-In SE 70 employed in this study, allow for rapid deployment, flexible parameter settings, and high-resolution data acquisition. Operating with a center frequency of 80 MHz, a frequency range of 20–140 MHz, and a maximum penetration depth of 50 meters, this system achieves vertical resolutions of approximately 30 cm with a sampling rate of 32,000 sample/s. This study presents the results of low-frequency GPR surveys conducted in different geological contexts in Southern Italy:1) active tectonics at Mt. Camposauro (Southern Apennine, Italy) an area of energetic historical seismicity with evidences of recent tectonic activity; 2) geoarchaeology and site characterization of subsurface caves at the ancient Capua, an Etruscan city (IX century BCE) lately conquered by Osci, then by Samnite (IV century BCE) and finally by Romans, becoming in the III century BCE the main city along the Via Appia, regina viarum; and 3) urban geology in Calitri Town (Avellino, Italy) an area with a complex tectono-stratigraphic setting, affected by seismically induced gravity-driven deformations. The results highlight the versatility and effectiveness of low-frequency GPR for investigating geological processes at varying spatial and temporal scales. Key findings are summarized and discussed, emphasizing the role of GPR as a preferred method for integrated subsurface analysis.
How to cite: Massa, B., Famiglietti, N. A., Memmolo, A., Migliazza, R., and Vicari, A.: Low-Frequency Ground Penetrating Radar: A Versatile Tool for Multiscale Analysis in Active Tectonics, Geoarchaeology, and Urban Geology, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-3548, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3548, 2025.
As human exploration and exploitation of seabed mineral resources intensify, concerns about the degradation of the ocean bottom noise environment have risen. To address this, we conducted a seismic monitoring experiment during the 78th Chinese Dayang cruise in 2023, focusing on drilling activities at the Yuhuang seafloor massive sulfide deposits located at the Southwest Indian Ridge. Five Ocean Bottom Nodes (OBNs), each equipped with three orthogonal seismometers and one hydrophone operating at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz, were deployed around a sulfide mound by using the "Hailong IVE" ROV, which featured a real-time Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) positioning system for precise placement. Additionally, high-sampling-rate cabled hydrophones, capable of capturing data at 32 kHz, were installed on a cable positioned 15 meters above the seabed drill site. Throughout the experiment, a seabed drilling rig capable of drilling up to 20 meters below the seafloor conducted a total of 13 drill operations. Our objectives were to identify drilling-related signals from the seawater and drill bit signals from the subseafloor, assess the impact of drilling operations on marine noise, and invert the velocity structure using ambient noise data. The initial insights gained from our experiment indicate that the maximum radius of drilling-related noise does not exceed 100 meters. The noise level produced by the drilling rig is influenced by the drilling parameters, such as revolutions per minute and weight on bit, as well as the hardness of the rock. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of drilling activities on the ocean sound field, further drilling tests with additional seismometers and hydrophones are necessary. This will provide a richer dataset, enabling more accurate assessments of noise generation and propagation patterns associated with seabed drilling operations.
How to cite: liu, Y., qiu, L., wang, H., and tao, C.: Seismic monitoring experiment of deep-sea driling, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4629, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4629, 2025.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) like GPS or Galileo allow high-accurate positioning and geolocation. GNSS has been used in geosciences for more than three decades for surface deformation monitoring, including tectonics, earthquake cycle, and vertical land motion associated with postglacial rebound. The possibility of observing atmospheric conditions, especially electron content and water vapor distribution, allows multi-purpose applications. Thanks to modernizations in the GNSS constellations, including new signals, advanced and cost-efficient receiver equipment has been developed over the past few years. This allows the establishment of dense observation networks and advanced observation scenarios.
GFZ recently integrated GNSS receivers into the Geophysical Instrument Pool (GIPP) to support GNSS-based applications in various domains. This research infrastructure facility is open to all national and international academic applicants; the instruments are provided free of charge following a transparent application and evaluation procedure. This contribution presents the available GNSS equipment, potential applications, and the user pipeline from deployment to results. Results from two supported projects will be presented in more detail. The first focuses on surface deformation across the Irpinia and Pergola-Melandro fault system and the second on monitoring seasonal acceleration at the 79°N Glacier in Greenland. Both examples highlight the value of accurate, in-situ coordinate time series.
How to cite: Männel, B., Ramatschi, M., Bradke, M., am Mihr, E., and Wickert, J.: Facilitating Earth Observation: GFZ’s GNSS Instrument Pool, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-9403, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-9403, 2025.
Soil physical and chemical parameters—such as texture, density, water content, total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN)—are typically measured at a single point and then extrapolated to represent a larger area. To accurately characterize these areas, a substantial number of samples must be collected, which can lead to high laboratory costs. Using a UAV-borne gamma-ray spectrometer at relatively low altitudes allows for collecting high-resolution spatial information on radionuclides. This information may subsequently be used to derive soil physical and chemical parameters.
In the Hydrological Open-Air Laboratory (HOAL) in Petzenkirchen, Lower Austria, a Medusa gamma-ray MS-1000 was employed to test the potential of obtaining continuous soil information on basic soil properties. The gamma-ray spectrometer was mounted on an Acecore NOA UAV and a backpack, enabling users to remotely fly or walk across the area of interest, respectively. The study focused on three land-use types: agricultural land – covered by winter wheat in an early development stage, 3-year-old grassland, and 10+ year-old grassland, each with an area of about 0.2 hectares. The soil in this area is classified as drained typical gley and a gleyic colluvisol. After surveying with the gamma-ray spectrometer from each land-use type, we randomly collected 10 soil samples and analyzed for texture, density, water content, TOC, and TN.
Previous research by Van der Veeke et al. (2021) and Taylor et al. (2023) provides some contradictory context to this experiment. Van der Veeke et al. (2021) achieved R² values greater than 0.8 for clay and sand content compared to measured soil data. In contrast, Taylor et al. (2023) obtained correlation coefficients ranging from -0.59 to 0.61 but received better values of about -0.71 or lower for soil moisture, total carbon and TN. This study aims to offer a more definitive conclusion in predicting soil physical and chemical parameters using gamma-ray spectrometry.
How to cite: Konzett, M., Strauss, P., and Schmaltz, E.: Soil Characterization Using Gamma-Ray Spectrometry: Caste study in Petzenkirchen, Austria, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-10397, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-10397, 2025.
La Palma Island (708 km²) is located in the northwestern part of the Canarian Archipelago and represents one of its youngest volcanic structures, with an estimated geological age of around 2.0 million years. On September 19, 2021, a significant volcanic eruption occurred within the Cumbre Vieja volcanic system situated in the southern region of the island. This event, lasting 85 days and 8 hours, is recorded as the longest volcanic episode in La Palma's documented history. The eruption resulted in extensive lava flows that covered an area of approximately 1,219 hectares, causing substantial geological and social impact. Since visible volcanic gas emissions (fumaroles, hot springs, etc.) do not occur at the surface environment of Cumbre Vieja, the geochemical program for the volcanic surveillance has been focused mainly on diffuse (non-visible) degassing studies. This study presents the findings from annual diffuse carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission surveys conducted since 2001, with increased monitoring frequency between 2017 and 2024 to optimize the early warning system for future volcanic eruptions at La Palma island.
The measurement of soil CO₂ efflux was performed following the accumulation chamber method across approximately 600 sampling sites distributed throughout the volcanic system. The long-term time series data reveal distinct periods of diffuse CO₂ emissions that provide valuable insights into the system's volcanic activity: (1) A baseline period (2001-2016), when diffuse CO₂ emissions fluctuated between 320 and 1,544 t/d, establishing a reference range for background degassing levels.; (2) A pre-eruptive period (2016-2021), when a marked increase in CO₂ emissions was observed, with values rising from 788 t·d⁻¹ to a peak of 1,870 t·d⁻¹. This last period coincided with the onset of seismic swarm activity, highlighting a clear correlation between increased degassing and evolving magmatic processes beneath the surface; (3) The eruptive period (2021). During the eruption, CO₂ emissions exhibited significant temporal variations. A minimum emission rate was recorded on October 21, followed by a sharp increase that peaked at 4,435 t·d⁻¹ on December 14, aligning with the conclusion of the eruptive phase. This maximum emission rate represents the highest value observed in the entire monitoring serie; and (4) the post-eruptive period (2022-2024), when diffuse CO₂ emissions showed a decreasing trend, stabilizing around 760 t·d⁻¹, reflecting a gradual return to lower degassing levels.
These findings underscore the critical importance of continuous diffuse CO₂ monitoring as a key component of volcanic surveillance at Cumbre Vieja. Regular measurements of diffuse gas emissions provide essential early warning indicators of potential volcanic unrest, allowing for improved risk assessment and hazard mitigation strategies. The integration of geochemical monitoring with other geophysical and geological tools enhances the comprehensive understanding of the dynamic behavior of volcanic systems.
How to cite: Afonso Falcón, D., Kichmerova, V., Smith, K., Ali bin Jaddua, R., Melián, G. V., Taño Ramos, D., Trujillo Vargas, L., Ramos Delgado, C., Gironés, A., Padrón, E., Asensio Ramos, M., Hernández, P. A., and Pérez, N. M.: Monitoring diffuse CO2 emission: a geochemical surveillance tool for Cumbre Vieja volcano, La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12053, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12053, 2025.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, with dire socioeconomic impacts for coastal communities. Efforts to improve forecasts of storms are impeded by a lack of ocean mixing observations under extreme storm conditions. Observations, while risky, are necessary to develop accurate parameterizations of storm-driven ocean mixing. Extreme storms, like tropical cyclones, create conditions that exceed operational safety thresholds for crewed oceanographic research vessels, making uncrewed vehicles, like ocean gliders, a more sensible measurement platform. While uncrewed gliders remove the risk to humans, they must still be deployed at the right place and at the right time. Storm systems can develop and change quickly, requiring a fast, flexible and adaptable deployment strategy. Slow-moving research vessels, which must also seek shelter from approaching storms, are ill-suited for this task. Civil helicopter aviation companies currently serve the offshore energy segment, ferrying crews and equipment between shore-based airfields and offshore infrastructure. Here, we explore the use of helicopters for the deployment of ocean gliders in the paths of extreme storm systems. While helicopters have the speed and flexibility required for rapid, on-demand glider deployments, these activities are far from routine, requiring the development of deployment strategies that ensure the safety of the aircraft and flight crew as well as the safe deployment of the sensitive microstructure sensors required to measure ocean turbulence and mixing. We report on initial collaborations with the aviation industry and the development of procedures to deploy and retrieve ocean gliders from helicopters.
How to cite: Carlson, D., Merkelbach, L., and Carpenter, J.: Measuring ocean turbulence under extreme storm conditions using helicopter-deployed ocean gliders, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16184, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16184, 2025.
Autonomous Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS) deployments have often involved a degree of “drop-and-hope” due to the inherent lack of seismic data communication during installation as well as waiting extended periods before data collection. Cabled solutions provide real-time data during and immediately after deployment, sometimes with opportunity to adjust the instrument before it is left to operate remotely. However, cabled solutions are inherently financially and logistically challenging both in terms of seismic hardware and arguably more significantly, deployment hardware (ships, ROVs, cables etc.). The geographical reach of these experiments is also often limited to within a few hundred kilometres of the coast. These constraints often mean cabled OBS are beyond the scope of most scientific bodies.
Güralp Systems Limited, in collaboration with the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), has successfully manufactured and demonstrated a method of reducing financial and logistical constraints, extending geographical range, and crucially maintaining data quality by utilising force-feedback seismic instrumentation in cabled OBS systems. The recent successful deployment of the InSEA Wet Demo SMART (Science Monitoring And Reliable Telecommunications) cable, off the coast of Sicily, displays a world first in how science can partner with industry to achieve this.
SMART cables are primarily telecommunication cables that secondarily serve as hosts for scientific monitoring equipment. Commercial viability for these systems relies on the cable being laid as if the science element did not exist, thereby minimising additional deployment costs and reducing barriers to cooperation with cable laying companies. Güralp and INGV deployed 3 seismometer-accelerometer pairs housed inline within the cable repeater housings along the 21km cable length using standard cable-laying techniques to show proof of concept. The system also features a series of high-performance temperature and pressure sensors that can be used for larger scale oceanographic monitoring.
This pioneering installation using telecommunication cables marks a significant step towards drastically improving local knowledge of inaccessible oceanic regions as well as global azimuthal coverage for teleseismic events, all in real time.
How to cite: Calver, J., Watkiss, N., Restelli, F., Kerkenyakova, A., and Mohr, S.: Successful Deployment of a 21km SMART Cable with Force-Feedback Seismometer and Accelerometers in the Mediterranean Sea, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16799, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16799, 2025.
The analysis of multiparametric geophysical and geochemical datasets presents significant challenges due to the diverse nature of measurements and their potential interactions. The development of advanced statistical and data mining techniques has enabled researchers to identify and characterise complex patterns within such datasets. This work builds upon a previous study that applied Independent Vector Analysis (IVA) to analyse multiparametric measurements collected at Teide volcano crater (Tenerife, Canary Islands) between 2020 and 2024. Our main goal is to extend the initial findings by identifying endogenous and exogenous factors influencing the observed patterns and characterising their temporal behaviour.
The dataset includes spontaneous potential, CO2 and H2S fluxes, and thermal gradient measurements taken within the crater of Teide volcano on 38 fixed points. The application of IVA, which is an extension of Independent Component Analysis (ICA), allows for a multivariate approach that leverages vectorial data instead of scalar quantities. This method has proven effective for disentangling spatio-temporal interactions and isolating independent processes that govern the observed geophysical and geochemical variations.
Based on previous preliminary results, this study incorporates new data collected during 2023 and 2024, allowing a better definition of the spatio-temporal patterns. Using the IVA, we identify and quantify evolving endogenous patterns potentially related to magmatic processes. Simultaneously, we assess the influence of exogenous factors such as seasonal temperature fluctuations and hydrological changes.
Our results highlight the robustness of IVA in separating and characterising independent processes contributing to spatio-temporal multivariate datasets, such as the specific case of the Teide volcano. The results reveal a strong correlation between spontaneous potential anomalies and localised gas emissions, validating this methodology in volcanic environments. Moreover, this extended study underscores the importance of integrating temporal dynamics into multivariate analyses to improve the understanding of volcanic systems.
This work demonstrates the potential of IVA as a powerful tool for analysing repeated geophysical and geochemical surveys. It offers significant advantages for monitoring active volcanic systems. Future applications could include adding more datasets, such as remote sensing and/or other geophysical or geochemical parameters, to understand volcanic processes comprehensively.
How to cite: García Hernández, R., Fernández-Carballo, Á., Mandato, B., Prabagaran, S., Álvarez, A., D'Auria, L., Martínez van Dorth, D., Ortega-Ramos, V., and Pérez, N. M.: Spatio-temporal patterns in repeated spontaneous potential measurements in the crater of Teide volcano (Tenerife)., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-16946, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-16946, 2025.
The chemical composition of volcanic gases provides essential insights into the activity and dynamics of volcanic systems, as well as the magmatic and hydrothermal processes occurring at depth. These gases, including CO2, H2, CH4, and H2S, are key indicators of physical and chemical processes such as redox reactions and magmatic degassing. Furthermore, the relative concentrations and ratios of specific gas species offer valuable information for interpreting subsurface dynamics and detecting changes in volcanic activity.
In recent decades, researchers have made significant efforts to measure gas concentrations and fluxes in volcanic fluids. However, continuous monitoring of gas emissions and their ratios in active volcanoes remains limited. Here, we present results from a continuous monitoring station (CMS) installed in November 2017 on the southeastern flank of Teide volcano. This station monitors the ground gas atmosphere using a device that collects samples at a depth of 10 cm, measuring CO2, H2, He, H2S, CH4, and other gases to analyze their temporal evolution and interrelationships. The data collected spans from its installation to the present day, providing a comprehensive record of gas behaviour over time.
The CMS is equipped with an Agilent 490 micro-GC with two channels, capable of analyzing He, Ne, H2, O2, N2, CH4, CO2 and H2S. The system includes an embedded computer with internet connectivity (via WiFi or UMTS router), enabling full remote control of the instrument, automatic data transmission, and automated gas sampling.
High concentrations of CO2 (with a moving average exceeding 60% for most of the measurement period), H2 (above 1,200 ppm), He (above 10 ppm), and H2S (above 1,000 ppm) highlight significant temporal trends linked to variations in volcanic and hydrothermal activity. The analysis of gas ratios, such as He/CO2, H2/CO2, and H2S/CO2, shows fluctuations consistent with changes in volcanic activity. Decreases in atmospheric gases like N2 and O2 often coincide with increases in magmatic components, reinforcing the utility of gas ratios in understanding subsurface processes.
This CMS constitutes a robust system for volcanic monitoring, capable of detecting low concentrations of key gases and providing critical insights through the analysis of both gas concentrations and their ratios. Such tools are invaluable for advancing volcanic surveillance and risk assessment.
How to cite: Asensio-Ramos, M., Di Nardo, D., Melián, G. V., Padilla, G. D., Hernández, P. A., Padrón, E., and Pérez, N. M.: Continuous monitoring of diffuse degassing at the summit cone of Teide volcano, Tenerife, Canary Islands, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17775, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17775, 2025.
The current abstract presents experimental analyses and monitoring to studying post-fire geomorphic processes, a potential indirect effect of wildfires. The primary goal is to identify environmental variables that could serve as indicators for triggering post-fire soil erosion and mass wasting in mountain watersheds.
Two pilot sites were chosen in southern Italy, and specifically in mountain regions severely affected by wildfires in the last years. The monitored environmental quantities include i) meteorological variables – precipitation, air temperature, wind speed and direction, lighting, barometric pressure and solar radiation – detected by modern all-in-one automatic weather station and a traditional tipping bucket rain gauge. ii) Soil moisture content and temperature measured by TDR sensors 10 cm-deep and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing. iii) Local seismicity measured by triaxial geophones. iv) Surface optical and thermal evolution using a combined RGB+thermal video camera.
Key research topics being tested include: 1) the application of image change detection techniques to analyze runoff, soil erosion, and landslides during post-fire rainstorms using visual and thermal imagery; 2) the use of a triaxial seismic sensor to capture ground vibrations and characterize sediment-laden turbulent flows; 3) spatial estimation of soil moisture conditions preceding post-fire geomorphic events; and 4) lightning detection to anticipate the approach of convective cells at the monitored sites. Alongside these positive aspects, the research team is addressing several challenges, such as managing remote control and communication, storing data locally, and ensuring reliable power supply.
Preliminary results obtained with the RGB+thermal images and seismic data, which have been acquired during a series of rainfall events that triggered soil erosion, small rock falls and hyperconcentrated flows suggest that the involved instrumentations can represent a valuable tool in monitoring mass wasting processes linked to intense precipitations after wildfires. Future testing and implementations should contribute to develop an innovative monitoring system to assist public authorities in managing post-fire risks.
This work was funded by the Next Generation EU - Italian NRRP, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5, call for the creation and strengthening of 'Innovation Ecosystems', building 'Territorial R&D Leaders' (Directorial Decree n. 2021/3277) - project Tech4You - Technologies for climate change adaptation and quality of life improvement, n. ECS0000009. This work reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the Ministry for University and Research nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them.
How to cite: Dematteis, N., Cavalli, M., Cavalli, R. M., Crema, S., De Biase, M., Donnini, M., Esposito, G., Gariano, S. L., Piantini, M., Pisano, L., and Rossi, M.: Implementation of a prototype monitoring system to investigate post-fire geomorphic processes , EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17935, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17935, 2025.
The Southern Italy, a tectonically active region of significant geodynamic importance, is also a critical area for seismic hazard assessment and sustainable resource management. Characterized by lithospheric convergence, crustal delamination, active fault systems and a complex tectonic style made up of the eastward thrusting of different, once adjacent, geographic paleo-domains, the area faces considerable seismic risks. These features make the Southern Apennines, and thus the Southern Italy, an ideal yet complex laboratory for constructing an integrated 3D geometrical model to address structural complexities and support hazard mitigation efforts, where the significance of the results justifies the challenges inherent in the integration process.
This study integrates geological and geophysical data to develop an integrated 3D crustal model for the Southern Apennines area, with a spatial resolution of 5x5x1 km3, along East, North and depth, respectively. Our analysis synthesizes stratigraphic, geophysical, and structural data into a unified framework for regional geological interpretation. Key datasets include stratigraphic well logs (ViDEPI project consultable at the page: https://www.videpi.com/videpi/pozzi/pozzi.asp), lithological maps, seismic tomographic models, gravity and magnetic models, and thermal and petrophysical constraints. These datasets underwent rigorous filtering, analysis and gridding to ensure consistency across spatial scales. The methodology incorporates thermal varying gradients, P-wave velocity variations, and depth-dependent corrections, enabling the identification of major intra-crustal discontinuities and lithological transitions.
Model construction involved delineating the main lithological units, including sedimentary covers, carbonate platforms, and crystalline basement domains, extending down to the Moho depth. Validation was performed by comparing model outputs with independent borehole data and geophysical data interpretation, achieving high accuracy and resolution. By synthesizing diverse datasets into a cohesive framework, this study addresses gaps in lithologic unit characterization throughout the study area and subsurface property predictions.
The Integrated 3D geological model is a versatile tool for addressing both scientific and social challenges. It supports thermo-rheological modelling, enabling detailed analyses of brittle-ductile transitions and their implications for seismic hazards. These results represent some of the goals of the PRIN2022 PNRR entitled “Relation between 3D Thermo-Rheological Model and Seismic Hazard for Risk Mitigation in the Urban Areas of Southern Italy – TRHAM”. The model also holds significant promise for practical applications, such as green energy initiatives, particularly geothermal resource exploration, by linking geodynamic processes to sustainable development in Southern Italy.
How to cite: Castaldo, R., Perrini, M., Accomando, F., De Landro, G., Gola, G., Tizzani, P., Carafa, M., Fedi, M., Zollo, A., Kastelic, V., Di Lorenzo, C., Di Naccio, D., and Taroni, M.: Revised 3D crustal structure of Southern Italy: an integrated approach combining geophysical and petrophysical constraints, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18318, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18318, 2025.
We here deal with technologies employing geophysical measurements to detect the soil-subsoil physical parameters distribution. In particular, we show the results of the testing of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)- and ground-based instrumentations, such as: the magnetometer/gradiometer MagNimbus for the total magnetic field measurements (UAV-based); the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Zond Aero LF (UAV-based); the multi-sensor magnetometer G-864 (ground-based); the electromagnetometer CMD Explorer 6L for the soil-subsoil electromagnetic conductivity evaluation (ground-based). The UAV-based acquisitions are performed using a DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone.
We propose the case-study of the karst plane of the Altopiano di Verteglia (AV, Southern Italy), where UAS-based measurements were performed for water pipes detection. Then, we show the tests using the G-864 system for the vertical gradient measurement of the total magnetic field at Agnano plain (Campi Flegrei caldera, Southern Italy). We also propose the application of the Frequency-Domain Electromagnetic (FDEM) method for water leakage purposes.
We finally discuss the achieved goals and the next technological challenges aimed at refining the survey protocols and strategies in the framework of the multi-scale integration for the soil-subsoil system monitoring.
This work is financed by the project ITINERIS "Italian Integrated Environmental Research Infrastructure Systems" (IR0000032), that is the Italian hub of research infrastructures in the environmental scientific domain, whose creation is supported by the national recovery and resilience plan (PNRR).
How to cite: Barone, A., Mercogliano, F., Accomando, F., Esposito, G., Vitale, A., Castaldo, R., Gennarelli, G., De Novellis, V., Pepe, S., Solaro, G., Buonanno, M., Bonfante, A., Tizzani, P., and Catapano, I.: Exploring the capabilities of geophysical technologies of the Itineris infrastructures for multiscale investigations of the soil subsoil system., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-19641, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-19641, 2025.
The Yellowstone Volcanic Complex (YVC) in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, USA) attracts significant geological interest as one of the largest active continental silicic volcanic fields in the world. Despite extensive research on its high heat flow and abundant geothermal features, a detailed quantitative analysis of the brittle-ductile transition remains absent. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the subsurface geological and geophysical properties of the Yellowstone area, with a particular focus on developing an optimized lithospheric thermal profile, essential for reliable rheological and lithospheric strength analyses. Initially, the Curie isothermal surface depth was extensively mapped using high-resolution aeromagnetic data and innovative spectral analysis techniques. This mapping revealed a shallow Curie isothermal surface, ranging from 2 km to 4 km beneath the YVC. The retrieved iso-Curie depth was subsequently used as a key constraint to validate a 3D stationary Finite Element (FE) thermal model. Specifically, this isothermal surface served as experimental data for optimizing the thermal state of the crust through the Optimization Module in COMSOL Multiphysics® 6.2. The 3D model of the Yellowstone lithosphere covers approximately 40 km², with a lithospheric thickness of about 35.000 km. The domain is subdivided into three litho-thermal units: the upper crust, the lower crust, and the magmatic body. The geometry of the magmatic heat source was derived from tomographic data and incorporated into COMSOL Multiphysics® to create a consistent subsurface image of the magmatic heat source. The thermal state of the crust was simulated using the Heat Transfer in Solids Module under a purely conductive regime. To further validate the thermal model, the DBSCAN clustering algorithm was applied to analyze seismic data. A comprehensive rheological model was also developed to delineate the brittle-ductile transition within the lithospheric volume. The results revealed a brittle region well-aligned with the earthquake distribution and a complex, layered ductile zone structure, reflecting the stratified nature of the local lithospheric architecture. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the YVC’s subsurface dynamics, offering insights into its complex geodynamic processes and providing methodologies applicable to similar studies in other volcanic and geothermally active regions with large calderas.
How to cite: Perrini, M., Gola, G., Tizzani, P., Fedi, M., Brahmi, M., and Castaldo, R.: Comprehensive modelling of the Yellowstone caldera: insights into thermal evolution, magmatic behavior, and lithospheric strength, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-19682, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-19682, 2025.
